Your planting time watering needs vary a lot between spring and fall planting seasons. Fall-planted shrubs need far less water from you because nature does most of the work. Spring-planted shrubs demand daily attention through hot summer months that follow.
I planted ten shrubs in April one year and ten more in October of the same year. The spring batch needed water every two to three days all summer long to stay alive. The fall batch got natural rain and I only watered them twice before winter hit. Same plants, same soil, but very different work on my part.
In my experience, spring planting turns you into a full-time watering service during July and August. I spent hours each week dragging hoses around my yard that first summer. The fall shrubs sat happy while I ran myself ragged keeping their spring neighbors from wilting in the heat.
Shrub watering requirements drop fast when you plant in cooler weather. Less heat means less water loss through leaves and soil. Rain falls more often in many regions during autumn. Your shrubs get moisture without you lifting a finger or turning on a hose.
Oklahoma State data shows that plants need about one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week to stay healthy and grow. Fall weather in most areas delivers this amount through natural rainfall alone. Summer heat often brings drought conditions that force you to provide all that water yourself from your tap.
Irrigation new shrubs in spring becomes a daily chore you cannot skip. Miss one hot day and leaves start to wilt. Miss two days and you risk losing the whole plant to heat stress. Fall planting frees you from this trap since temps stay mild and rain keeps falling.
Your water bill tells the story in dollars and cents if you track it. Spring planting spikes your summer water use by a lot depending on how many shrubs you add. Fall planting adds almost nothing to your bill since rain does the heavy lifting for you.
Fall-planted shrubs may need zero extra water if your region gets decent autumn rain. Check the soil once a week by pushing your finger in two inches (5 cm) deep. If you feel moisture, skip the watering. Dry soil means time to give them a drink.
Give your back and your wallet a break by timing your planting right. Fall shrubs establish roots while you relax inside. Spring shrubs demand attention during the hottest time of year. The choice seems clear when you add up all the hours you save by waiting for fall.
Read the full article: When to Plant Shrubs: Complete Guide
